Missouri Valley moved up one spot this week to #3 thanks to a 47-7 win over Culver-Stockton as well as a loss by last week's top-ranked team, Saint Xavier (Ill.), who dropped to #5. The Vikings (5-0) have a week off at the midway point of the season to get ready for a showdown with Benedictine at Ashford Stadium on Saturday, October 13.

MidAmerica Nazarene returned to the top 10 after a one-week hiatus following a 49-20 victory over Baker on Saturday to register at #10 this week after improving its mark to 3-1. The Pioneers hit the road this Saturday, October 6 to take on Culver-Stockton in the first of three-straight road contests for last season's NAIA Football Championship Series quarterfinalists.

Benedictine was the victim of an offensive outburst by Evangel in a 54-44 loss and slipped six spots to #12 in this week's rankings. The Ravens (4-1) look to put their first loss of the season behind them as they return home to take on Central Methodist in Larry Wilcox Stadium this Saturday.

A second-straight loss by Baker also saw the Wildcats drop six spots this week to #19 after falling at MidAmerica Nazarene. Hoping to return to form this week with a home game, the Wildcats (4-2) host Avila on Saturday evening at Liston Stadium.

Evangel capitalized on its upset win over Benedictine by collecting votes this week despite falling just four points short of joining the top 25. The Crusaders (3-2) hit the road this Saturday looking to build on its momentum with a visit to Graceland.